Eguavoen takes charge as NFF reshuffles Super Falcons

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has turned to former Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen to lead the Super Falcons on an interim basis as Nigeria begins its campaign for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.

Eguavoen is expected to oversee the Falcons’ two-legged second-round qualifying tie against Comoros in October, marking his first appointment to manage a women’s national team.

The former Nigeria international will work alongside Christopher Danjuma, head coach of Nasarawa Amazons, while ex-Super Falcons defender Ayisat Yusuf and former Super Eagles goalkeeping coach Olatunji Baruwa have also been named among the technical crew.

Nigeria secured a bye into the second round because of its ranking and will host both legs of the tie at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo.

The opening encounter is scheduled for October 9, with the return fixture fixed for October 13.

Comoros advanced to the second round after overwhelming Sudan 30-0 on aggregate, setting up a meeting with the nine-time African champions.

The Falcons must navigate four rounds of home-and-away knockout fixtures to claim one of the two Olympic women’s football slots allocated to Africa.

Should Nigeria eliminate Comoros, the team will advance to the third round in early 2027, where either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Morocco awaits.

Eguavoen’s appointment comes after the NFF parted ways with Justine Madugu and his technical crew following Nigeria’s failure to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The setback ended the Falcons’ uninterrupted participation in the tournament since the inaugural edition in 1991.

For Eguavoen, the Olympic qualifying assignment provides an opportunity to lead a new national team and help Nigeria quickly recover from the disappointment of missing the World Cup.